UHDB taking part in national study to reduce risk of infection in new-born babies
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust (UHDB) is taking part in an important national research study looking at whether testing pregnant women to see if they carry group B Streptococcus (GBS) reduces the risk of infection in new-born babies.
The current strategy in the UK is to offer antibiotics during labour to women who are considered at risk of their baby developing GBS infection. As part of the trial, called GBS3, all women who are pregnant and due to give birth at Royal Derby Hospital or Queen's Hospital Burton will be offered a test for GBS at approximately three - five weeks before their expected delivery date and offered antibiotics during labour if they test positive.
July is GBS awareness month, so UHDB wants to raise the profile of the research study and encourage uptake of the test among pregnant women.
Clinical Research Midwives at UHDB, Jane Radford (based at Queen’s Hospital Burton) and Laura Johnson (based at Royal Derby Hospital), said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this huge clinical trial involving 71 hospitals in England and Wales. The information gathered may help us to prevent group B Strep infection in new-born babies better in the future. The results of this trial may also influence UK strategy for group B Strep treatment."
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in new-born babies in the UK. It is a common bacteria that normally causes no harm. If a pregnant woman carries group B Strep, her baby may be exposed to it around labour and birth. While most babies won’t be affected, there is a very small chance of the baby becoming seriously ill or even dying.
Anyone interested in learning more or getting involved with the study should contact their midwife. GBS3 is expected to report its findings in 2025.
Photo caption: (left to right) Dr Ahmed Elnaggar, antenatal patient Maria Jabeen, research midwife Jane Radford, and antenatal clinic midwifery support worker Jennifer Hughes.